Gambling, card games, and casino gameplay, in general, are often sources of entertainment portrayed in movies. Visits to casinos and friends playing private card games are common occurrences, but the portrayal of the scene often depends on the location. Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting casino gameplay movie scenes set across the US and Europe.
Casino Gameplay Portrayed in the US
When visits to casinos take place in the US, there is one place that is usually the first to come to mind. Las Vegas, commonly known as the gambling capital of the world, is often the setting of choice when a film is centered around gambling in the US. Films such as Casino (1995) and Swingers (1996) showcase the perception of Las Vegas is a place for people to come and gamble freely. The casinos in these films are usually filled with people, highlighting the popularity of gambling in Vegas.
However, casino gameplay and card games aren’t always portrayed in the same fashion as they are in Las Vegas, Nevada. In fact, other states aren’t portrayed gambling nearly as often and this lack of representation is inaccurate as states all across the US partake in this form of entertainment. The popularity of sites like this one, which covers online casinos with region-specific bonuses, demonstrates this. The site provides a state-by-state review of online casinos, showing exactly which sites are available where, highlighting the impression the industry has across the country.
However, it must be acknowledged that a select few states are shown gambling in the movies. For instance, in New York, casino gameplay and card games are known to take place in more private establishments. An example of how this is portrayed in film can be seen in the poker movie, Rounders (1996). The film has gone on to be a cult classic in the poker community, and you can read more about it here. The majority of poker games featured in Rounders take place in private venues, typically between friends or colleagues.
Casino Gameplay Portrayed in Europe
Films with casino scenes set in Europe often have a different kind of portrayal depending on the place. James Bond is a well-known British film character with a reputation for enjoying a high-class lifestyle. In GoldenEye (1995), Bond visits the luxurious Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco. The film shows the drive up to the casino, which highlights its impressive architecture and surroundings. More can be read about the Casino de Monte Carlo on this website.
In Casino Royale (2006), Bond’s poker expeditions take him to Montenegro. The setting here is again very high-class, which adds to the atmosphere as 007 faces off in a high stakes poker game against the villain, Le Chiffre.
Although the casino scenes in Bond films all portray high-class establishments, there are many scenes containing casino gameplay set in other parts of Europe with a different feel. Films set in the UK that feature card games and other gambling activities are often set-in underground scenarios or in private settings.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) features a private card game that is invite-only, and amongst a small group of people. Although not a film, the British TV show Only Fools and Horses shows an epic card game scene that portrays how poker is a popular past time that can be played between friends at their homes.
Movie scenes featuring casino games and card games may be portrayed in different ways, depending on the location. It could be a private affair in New York, an intense game in the UK, or a conspicuously lavish affair in Las Vegas. The locations allow varied portrayals, but it could be more varied. Here’s hoping the film industry represents more places in the future to allow for a richer tapestry for the audience to enjoy.
